Street artist and volunteers transform notorious subway on the West Marsh
FORMER NO-GO ZONE NOW SAFER AND BRIGHTER TO WALK THROUGH
A NOTORIOUS subway in Grimsby has been n transformed thanks to a street artist and vol- unteers.
Children from the West Marsh were invited d to take part in the art project in the underpass s linking Haycroft Avenue with Lincoln Boulevard. It was a no-go zone due to the level of drug-dealing, poor lighting, antisocial behav- iour and lack of security.
It was often used by moped maniacs and d frightened pedestrians using the subway to get t to shops and services on Cromwell Road. Now w it is a bright, eye-catching storyboard mural l with the theme of the environment and community.
It was created thanks to Lynsey Powles who designed images of characters from Grimsby’s West Marsh and the life near the River Freshney. It was funded by Safer Streets community project, which received Home Office money.
Residents told Safer Streets organisers that they would take much longer routes to places like shops rather than use the underpass because they didn’t feel safe. Now CCTV cameras have been installed and the project group has cleared it out, repainted and removed graffiti and then commissioned Lynsey to make it a brighter space.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities said the aim is to make West Marsh residents feel safer and more secure in their homes, and to foster a sense of community. More CCTV cameras have been installed in crime and antisocial behaviour hotspots in West Marsh.
Residents residents who have been targeted by criminals and those causing anti-social behaviour are visited to make their homes safer. This was done using some of the funding from the Home Office to purchase and distribute alarm systems, locks and security lighting.
Project volunteers and staff have undertaken alleyway clearances, cleared the underpass and built up a network of community champions. Flowers have also been planted throughout West Marsh.
Councillor Shepherd said: “I’m really pleased with the new look of the underpass. It goes to show that with a little care and attention, these spaces can become attractive, clean and safe spaces.
“When the safer streets project started in West Marsh, we were told by residents that they would go out of their way to avoid using the underpass because it didn’t feel safe. We listened to those concerns and acted.
“The project group have installed additional CCTV in the area, cleared it of overgrown foliage, removed the graffiti and repainted it, added extra lighting and commissioned a local street artist to make the underpass more vibrant. I’m really pleased with the results and
hope residents will now use the underpass and feel safer in doing so.
“This goes to show what can be achieved with residents and local organisations come together. I’d like to thank the West Marsh residents, VANEL, Humberside Police, Equans and North East Lincolnshire Council for making this happen.”
One resident said: “It looks impressive. The security measures will help. I’m just glad they have not included a drawing of a rooftop standoff and smashed police cars along with the pretty drawings of the river.”
With a little care and attention, these spaces can become attractive, clean and safe spaces – This goes to show what can be achieved with residents and local organisations come together Councillor Ron Shepherd